Venice has always been a city of beauty, mystery, and timeless romance. With the reopening of Hotel Gabrielli, the city adds a fresh chapter to its legacy of hospitality. The 19th century palazzo on Riva degli Schiavoni, facing the San Marco basin, has been restored with great care by Starhotels Collezione. The result is a five star retreat that offers history, luxury, and a sense of place unlike any other. For visitors, it is not just another Venetian hotel but a destination that captures the very essence of the lagoon.
Long admired as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, Hotel Gabrielli has welcomed generations of travelers, including the celebrated writer Franz Kafka. He is said to have drawn inspiration from his stay here for his letters, giving the property a literary connection that lingers even today. Under Starhotels, the hotel has entered a new era. The meticulous restoration preserved its original character with ornate windows, Murano glass chandeliers, marble details, and Venetian craftsmanship while adding contemporary elegance suited to modern travelers.
A Heritage Reborn
The restoration was led by designer Andrea Auletta, who carefully balanced tradition with refinement. The Quadrifora windows shine once again with coveted lagoon views, while interiors pair Istrian stone columns with coffered ceilings and modern accents. Starhotels’ patronage initiative, La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory, supported Murano glass masters in restoring over 700 chandeliers and sconces. The palazzo now feels both historic and new, a living example of Venetian grandeur meeting modern hospitality.
The reduction of rooms from 105 to just 66 ensures a more intimate experience. Every room carries a quiet sophistication, but the crown jewel is the Presidential Suite with its private rooftop terrace looking across the San Marco basin. Guests are invited to experience Venice not as mere visitors but as part of its layered story.
A Secret Garden In The Heart Of Venice
One of the hotel’s most remarkable features lies hidden behind its walls. At over 600 square meters, Hotel Gabrielli offers one of Venice’s largest private gardens. The tranquil retreat features centuries old olive trees, magnolias, hydrangeas, and antique marble tubs set in lush greenery. In a city where open space is rare, this garden offers peace, privacy, and the perfect setting for reading, relaxing, or enjoying the sound of water lapping against the canal walls.
Venetian Dining With A Local Touch
Dining has also been elevated with a distinct Venetian identity. Executive Chef Mirko Pistorello leads the kitchen with a Km Veneto philosophy, sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers to celebrate the flavors of the region. The Felice al Gabrielli restaurant, named after Franz Kafka’s muse Felice Bauer, provides a serene courtyard dining experience that feels like a winter garden. For social evenings, the K Lounge Bar draws from lagoon flavors in its cocktails and small plates, offering the perfect mix of refinement and local flair.
Sunsets And Panoramas
For breathtaking views, the Terrazza Gabrielli rooftop on the sixth floor is set to become one of Venice’s most sought after spots. The terrace delivers a 360 degree panorama that stretches from the Lido to Punta della Dogana. Guests can enjoy sunset aperitivi crafted by Bar Manager Diego Filippone while savoring small plates by Chef Pistorello. The experience perfectly captures the romance and drama of Venice.
A Spa For Complete Indulgence
The Venetian Spa completes the journey. Designed as a sanctuary of marble and calm, it features a hammam, sauna, and private treatment suite. After a day of exploring Venice, guests can retreat here to relax and rejuvenate in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
A Landmark Restored
Hotel Gabrielli’s reopening is more than just the revival of a luxury property. It is a tribute to Venice’s history, its art, and its spirit. Starhotels has not only preserved the building’s heritage but also given it new life for generations of travelers to experience. For anyone planning a Venetian getaway, this is not just a hotel but a piece of the city’s soul reborn.
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